Maccabi Haifa Coach Barak Bakhar Fueled by Underdog Status Ahead of Clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maccabi Haifa secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Hapoel Ramat Gan, easing pressure following Toto Cup matches. The team now faces its first significant challenge of the 2026/27 season against reigning cup holder Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium on Monday. Striker Guy Melamed will be absent due to injury, with Silva Kani expected to start and Andria Novakovich coming off the bench.

Coach Barak Bakhar acknowledged the upcoming match is on a different level than the previous one, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and better execution for longer periods. He stated that while the team created chances against Ramat Gan, their tempo is not yet at the desired level.

Bakhar addressed the perception that Maccabi Haifa is not considered a championship contender, saying, "It's true that since the beginning of the year, they haven't counted us. This gives us great drive to show that this is a big club with good players." He stressed the importance of demonstrating their capabilities through actions rather than words and highlighted that the team is working to change their tendency to start games slowly.

Regarding team reinforcement, Bakhar confirmed they are seeking a player to replace Bentson and expressed hope for a swift acquisition. He also discussed the appointment of Kangi Gura as captain, praising his personality and significant impact in the locker room, especially with a diverse squad. Bakhar also noted the progress of Yarin Levi, seeing him as a valuable component of a strong midfield, though he still has room for improvement.

New captain Kangi Gura expressed his excitement for the match, acknowledging the widespread anticipation among fans. He admitted to being very surprised by his appointment after only one season with the club, viewing it as a tremendous responsibility and an honor, and vowed to repay the club's trust.